How to Prepare for a Hurricane in Florida: What to Do and Best Practices

Jonathan Brown • April 15, 2025

Living in the Sunshine State comes with its fair share of weather perks—but it also means keeping a close eye on hurricane season. From June through November, Florida residents need to stay alert and ready to act. Whether you're a new homeowner or a seasoned Floridian, preparation is key to staying safe and minimizing damage.


Here’s a practical guide on what to do before, during, and after a hurricane—along with best practices every Florida resident should know.

Before the Storm: Get Hurricane-Ready

1. Make a Plan

  • Evacuation Route: Know your zone. Visit FloridaDisaster.org to find out if you’re in an evacuation zone and plan your route.
  • Emergency Contacts: Keep a written list of contacts in case your phone dies or you lose access to your digital address book.

2. Build a Hurricane Kit

  • Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Non-perishable food
  • Flashlights & extra batteries
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • First aid kit
  • Medications
  • Cash (ATMs and card readers may be down)
  • Chargers and power banks
  • Important documents in a waterproof folder (insurance policies, IDs, deeds)

3. Prep Your Property

  • Trim trees and clear yard debris to prevent damage.
  • Secure windows with storm shutters or plywood.
  • Reinforce garage doors to reduce the risk of wind damage.
  • Bring in outdoor furniture and décor—anything that can turn into a projectile.
  • Take photos of your home and valuables for insurance purposes.

4. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date and includes wind and flood protection. Many standard policies don’t cover flooding, so consider a separate flood policy if you’re in a vulnerable area.

🔍 Need help reviewing your homeowners insurance? At Insurance Helpers, we shop multiple carriers to make sure you’re covered no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. Start a quote here.

During the Storm: Stay Safe and Informed

1. Stay Inside and Away from Windows Even if it looks calm, don’t go outside. The eye of the storm can be deceptively quiet.

2. Monitor Updates Use a battery-powered radio or trusted news apps for updates. Power outages are common, so stay informed about the storm’s movement and any emergency instructions.

3. Turn Off Utilities if Directed If authorities tell you to shut off gas, water, or electricity, do so quickly and safely.

After the Storm: Assess and Recover

1. Wait for the All-Clear Don’t go outside until local officials declare it’s safe. Floodwaters and downed power lines can be extremely dangerous.

2. Document Any Damage Take photos or videos of property damage before making temporary repairs. This helps with your insurance claim.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company The sooner you file a claim, the faster you can start the recovery process. Keep records of all communication.

4. Be Cautious During Clean-Up Watch for hazards like nails, broken glass, or snakes (yes, they sometimes get washed into unexpected places!).

✅ Hurricane Season Best Practices (All Year Long)

  • Keep your important documents in a waterproof container or a fireproof safe.
  • Regularly update your emergency kit, especially before hurricane season starts.
  • Sign up for local emergency alerts and FEMA text updates.
  • If you're a new homeowner, ask your utility providers if they offer storm prep programs or priority restoration plans.

Final Thoughts

Hurricane preparation isn’t just a checklist—it’s a mindset. The more you prepare now, the better you’ll weather the storm later.

At Insurance Helpers, we’re here to support Florida homeowners year-round. If you need help finding the right insurance coverage or just have questions about protecting your home, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and don’t wait until it’s too late.

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By Jonathan Brown April 22, 2024
Floods are among the most devastatin g natural disasters, causing significant damage to homes and properties. While some regions are more prone to flooding than others, the reality is that no area is completely immune. As a homeowner, protecting your property against flood damage is paramount. In this blog post, we'll delve into the importance of flood insurance, what it covers, how to obtain it, and why it's a crucial investment for homeowners. Understanding Flood Insurance: Flood insurance is a specialized type of insurance coverage designed to protect property owners against losses due to flooding. It's important to note that standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage, which means that homeowners must obtain separate flood insurance to safeguard their properties adequately. What Does Flood Insurance Cover? Flood insurance typically covers both the structure of the home and its contents. This includes: Building Coverage: This component of flood insurance protects the physical structure of your home, including its foundation, walls, floors, and built-in appliances such as water heaters and refrigerators. Contents Coverage: In addition to the structure itself, flood insurance can also provide coverage for the contents inside your home, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal belongings. Why Flood Insurance Is Crucial: There are several compelling reasons why homeowners should invest in flood insurance: Protection Against Financial Loss: Flood damage can result in significant financial losses for homeowners, including repair or replacement costs for damaged property. Flood insurance provides financial protection and can help homeowners recover more quickly in the aftermath of a flood. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have adequate insurance coverage in place can provide peace of mind, especially for those living in flood-prone areas. Instead of worrying about the financial implications of flood damage, homeowners can focus on taking necessary precautions and safeguarding their families. Mandatory Requirements: In some cases, flood insurance may be mandatory, particularly for properties located in high-risk flood zones. Mortgage lenders may require homeowners to obtain flood insurance as a condition of their loan, ensuring that the property is adequately protected against potential flood damage. How to Obtain Flood Insurance: Consider enlisting the expertise of Insurance Helpers to navigate the process of obtaining flood coverage. We are professionals that specialize in insurance policies and can provide tailored guidance based on your property's location and flood risk. With our assistance, you can streamline the application process and ensure that you secure the coverage you need efficiently and confidently. Conclusion: Flood insurance is a critical investment for homeowners, providing essential financial protection against the devastating effects of flooding. By understanding what flood insurance covers, why it's crucial, and how to obtain it, homeowners can take proactive steps to safeguard their properties and their financial well-being. Don't wait until it's too late – ensure that you have adequate flood insurance coverage in place to protect your home and belongings against the unexpected.